International Tai Chi Leader Conducts Demonstrations at Shelburne Farms
Shelburne, VT - More and more people are recognizing the health benefits of tai chi, yet many still ask “what is tai chi” or ““is tai chi something I could
do?” The first step in answering these questions is to become familiar with tai chi—to see it in action.
On Thursday, September 11th, people in the Burlington area will have an opportunity to see one of the international leaders in tai chi, Dr. Paul Lam, demonstrating tai chi. Dr. Lam is the Director of the Tai Chi for Health Institute and creator of many short, accessible tai chi for health programs. In addition to Dr. Lam's demonstration, two other demonstrations will be offered—one by Master Trainer Marty Kidder and a group of Senior Trainers, and another by the approximately sixty people attending Dr. Lam’s workshops. The three demonstrations at the Coach Barn at Shelburne Farm will be free and open to the public on September 11th. Those attending are asked to arrive at 4:15 for the 4:30 demonstration. The public demonstration will last 40 minutes. This is the first time Dr. Lam has come to Vermont although, especially in the Champlain Valley, Tai Chi for Health programs have been growing. Through the work of the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (CVAA) and other agencies, over fifty instructors have been trained in the form known as “Tai Chi for Arthritis/Fall Prevention.” Currently, about thirty-five classes are offered, with more in the planning stages.
Watching the slow, gentle movements of different tai chi forms, one quickly realizes why sometimes tai chi is called “meditation in motion.” People who practice tai chi on a regular basis benefit from this meditative element, but also find pain relief, along with improved balance and coordination. As the Centers for Disease Control has concluded, tai chi practice is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of falling. And as those who take tai chi classes quickly discover, learning a new exercise form is deeply satisfying and often lots of fun.
For further information, contact Mary West at CVAA ([email protected]) or Senior Trainer Anne Bower ([email protected]).
CVAA is a non-profit organization that empowers seniors to live well. CVAA works with seniors and caregivers, offering guidance and providing the support and services they need, when they need them. With the help of community partners and volunteers, CVAA serves over 10,000 seniors. Established in 1974, CVAA is known as the resource for seniors in the Champlain Valley (Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties). For more information call 1-800-642-5119 or click on cvaa.org.
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